April 1st arrives in 73 days. Your commercial lettings strategy just changed. The tightened Energy Performance Certificate requirements mean that buildings previously scraping through on minimum standards now face a higher bar — and the enforcement mechanism has teeth.
What's Changing
The MEES framework is being tightened progressively toward the April 2027 EPC C deadline. But the interim changes taking effect now include mandatory EPC disclosure at marketing stage (not just at lease signing), prospective tenant right to request the full EPC recommendations report, and enhanced enforcement powers for local authorities including remote monitoring of EPC compliance.
The Marketing Stage Requirement
This is the change that catches most landlords off guard. Previously, you needed a valid EPC before signing a lease. Now you need it before marketing the space. No EPC, no marketing. And the EPC must be displayed in all marketing materials — online listings, brochure, and agent particulars. The fine for non-compliance is £500-5,000 depending on property size and rateable value.
What This Means in Practice
If you're planning to market any commercial space in the next 73 days, check your EPC status now. If it's expired (EPCs are valid for 10 years), commission a new one immediately. If it's valid but below the current minimum standard, you need to either improve the rating or apply for an exemption before marketing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do EPCs apply to all commercial properties?
Yes, with narrow exceptions: listed buildings, temporary structures with a planned life under 2 years, and certain industrial sites. If you're letting office, retail, or hospitality space, you need one.
How long does it take to get a commercial EPC?
Typically 1-2 weeks from booking the assessment. However, demand spikes around regulatory deadlines — if you leave it to the last week, expect delays and premium pricing.
Until next time — keep the evidence closer than the deadline.
Walk into your next senior management meeting with the answers
The free Director's Risk Check for UK portfolios takes five minutes. No sign-up to see your score.
- Your control score across compliance, evidence, oversight, cost and renewals
- The breach exposure in your portfolio, with the official source for each penalty
- A board-ready briefing with your three priorities and a 30/60/90-day plan
About HermanWa
HermanWa is a building compliance and operations platform for property and facilities teams in the United Kingdom and Singapore, with portfolios across the Gulf. It keeps one auditable file per building — statutory deadlines, inspection evidence, contractor work, energy and carbon — and its AI assistant, Herman, answers questions about your buildings in plain English. HermanWa tracks obligations including fire risk assessments and fire door checks, Building Safety Act duties, Legionella (ACOP L8), EICR, gas safety and EPC in the UK, and SCDF fire certificates, Periodic Facade and Structural Inspections, lift permits and Green Mark in Singapore. Directors can check their exposure with the free Director's Risk Check.